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Comments and opinions expressed on THE KNIGHT SHIFT are those of Christopher Knight and not necessarily those of subjects discussed in this blog, of advertisers appearing on it or of any reasonable human being. Any correspondence/irate letters/lawsuit threats/Nigerian e-mail scams can be sent to theknightshift@gmail.com.

It has nothing to do at all with the recent statements by the company's president, Dan Cathy, regarding his beliefs on homosexuality and "gay marriage". It was a statement of his personal opinion and he's entitled to have them. Personally, I'm inclined to agree with him, but that's not the point of this post.

So today has been declared "Let's Go To Chick-fil-A And Buy Their Food And Show We Support Traditional Families For God And Country Day Hurrah For Us!" or something. It's in response to the boycott that some "gay rights" groups (I never understood the concept of "gay rights" either: what rights exactly do some homosexuals believe they're being deprived of? I've never seen a "Straights Only" lunch counter in all my years of living in the South of all places...) have called of the restaurant chain.

So of course, hundreds of thousands and perhaps even a million or so self-described conservatives are descending upon Chick-fil-A locations across the fruited plain to rally their support behind Cathy, anti-homosexuality, and whatever else that "conservative leadership" (whatever the hell that means) has decided.

But I'm not going to Chick-fil-A today. And I've been called conservative (and "closet conservative", whatever the hell that means too) a heap of times.

I just don't feel like eating chicken today.

I mean, I've had chicken two of the past three days. Why would I want to go anywhere today to eat more chicken... is that "eat mor chikin"?

Now, is that supposed to be at all indicative of where I stand on this particular issue?

I'm not hungry for chicken today. Any of my conservative friends and colleagues got a problem with that?

And if we have arrived at a place where we feel that we must be a component of collectivized thought in order to "matter", to have any sense of worth in this world, then we've a much bigger problem we should be addressing than one company president's personal beliefs.

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comments:

You know, you could always go to just get a milkshake... or soda... or waffle fries. Not that how you feel about a certain issue is dependent on whether or not you eat at Chick-fil-A... but is it wrong for people to want to support an organization or company? Or NOT support it, if they disagree?

It doesn't change anything, but it's called freedom of speech. I think that's the point of this whole Chick-fil-A broohaha (is that how you spell it?) - Cathy made a personal statement, and people like the Mayor in Boston said "we don't want your business here." Political views should have no bearing on whether or not to let a business move to a particular location, and I think THAT is why people decided on having a Chick-fil-A day.

In fact, I went there today with my good friend who I haven't seen in a while... partially because we both wanted to enjoy "chikin," but also to support a company that has values we agree with. We're blessed to be in a country where we have freedom of speech, and we can use that through how we spend our money. People that disagree with me: yes, please do it too! Those who disagree with Chick-fil-A and Cathy - you are more than welcome to stop eating there, and I respect your opinion and your right to do so. That's the beauty of this country... we can agree to disagree. Okay, off on a little tangent there, gotta get back to work ;)

I didn't go there either Chris. Simply for the reason you mentioned and I'm totally in agreement with Dan Cathy. Also, I wasn't able to drive to Danville or Greensboro since Rockingham County doesn't have a Chick-Fil-A. That should be the main debate around here of why there isn't ONE in the whole county.

This isn't about free speech. Dan Cathy has the right to his opinion and the right to voice it, which he has. Nothing wrong with that. The real problem is corporate sponsorship of bigotry and lies. Chik Fil-A has given millions of dollars to groups like the Family Research Council which spreads and promotes lies about the LGBT community. Not only that, but the corporation lied about the Muppets toys which they claimed were "recalled". They weren't recalled, it was just Chik Fil-A being petty and vindictive after the Henson Co. decided they no longer wanted to do business with them and support their anti-gay activities. This isn't about free speech, but about corporate sponsorship of lies and prejudice.